Trap: meaning, definitions and examples

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trap

[ træp ]

^{Context #1}

in a physical sense

A device or enclosure designed to catch and retain animals, typically by allowing entry but not exit.

Synonyms

ambush, pitfall, snare

Examples of usage

They set up a trap to catch the mice in the house.
The hunter laid out traps in the forest to catch wild animals.

^{Context #2}

in a metaphorical sense

A situation in which someone is tricked or deceived.

Synonyms

deception, snare, trick

Examples of usage

She fell into the trap of believing everything she heard.
Don't fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others.

^{Context #3}

to deceive or trick someone

To deceive or trick someone into doing something or into accepting a situation.

Synonyms

deceive, ensnare, trick

Examples of usage

He trapped her into signing the contract.
She felt trapped in a situation she couldn't escape from.

Translations

Translations of the word "trap" in other languages:

🇵🇹 armadilha

🇮🇳 जाल

🇩🇪 Falle

🇮🇩 jebakan

🇺🇦 пастка

🇵🇱 pułapka

🇯🇵 罠

🇫🇷 piège

🇪🇸 trampa

🇹🇷 tuzak

🇰🇷 덫

🇸🇦 فخ

🇨🇿 past

🇸🇰 pasca

🇨🇳 陷阱

🇸🇮 past

🇮🇸 gildra

🇰🇿 қақпан

🇬🇪 ხაფანგი

🇦🇿 tələ

🇲🇽 trampa

Word origin

The word 'trap' originated in the late Middle English period, coming from the Old French word 'trappe'. Originally used to describe a device for catching animals, the metaphorical sense of being tricked or deceived emerged later. The verb form of 'trap' developed from the noun, reflecting the idea of ensnaring or deceiving someone. Over time, 'trap' has become a versatile word used in both literal and figurative contexts.

See also: entrap, entrapment, trapped, trappers, trapping.